DON'T punish the UK: Latvia urges EU to go easy on Brexit because of business benefits

LATVIA has begged Brussels not to punish the United Kingdom in the upcoming Brexit negotiations.

The Baltic state’s ambassador to Britain insisted that taking a hard negotiating stance with Theresa May’s Government will be like the EU “shooting ourselves in the leg” and would not end well for the bloc.

The Prime Minister in a speech on Tuesday outlined her plan to guide Britain out of the European single market and promised to end the UK’s “vast contributions”, but also said she will push for the “greatest possible” access to the Union’s free trade area.

Brussels bureaucrats were left far from impressed with Mrs May’s speech as they accused her of wanting to cherry pick from the Union’s benefits while offering little in return.

Guy Verhofstadt, the European Parliament’s Brexit negotiator, claimed it was an “illusion” to think Britain could enjoy the advantages of the single market without accepting the obligations – like free movement of people – that come with it.

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Latvia's ambassador to the UK called for Brussels to not punish Britain in Brexit talks

If we start shooting ourselves in the leg or try to harm each other it will not lead anywhere positive

But their statements are in contrast to Latvian ambassador Baiba Braze, who called for European Union bosses to allow Britain a clean breakaway from the Union, in order to keep them onside for future business needs.

Speaking on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, she said: “Indeed, there are voices saying being outside and having certain advantages, privileges instead of obligations, might not be the way to proceed.

“But again it will be amongst the 27 [other member states] to decide what way we choose.

“I think we have to keep in mind a kind of strategic environment, also, that Britain has been a very successful member of the EU.

“There have been ties and links formed among the people, institutions and companies in all countries. And for Latvia, especially, it’s been also very beneficial to have such a close partner as Britain.”

Ms Braze said it was in her nation’s interest to remain a close ally with Britain and anyone looking to destroy a positive relationship after Brexit would be foolish.

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“Absolutely, in Latvia’s interests it would be to keep a close relationship with Britain, and also after Britain leaves the EU,” she said.

“Punishment is not European, that is not the way we work with friends and allies. We wouldn’t be in favour of punishing anyone.

“I think it is very important to understand where industries stand – that is what each and every member state is going through.

“Again, punishment, if we start shooting ourselves in the leg or try to harm each other – that is the way down and it will not lead anywhere positive, so, again there has to be a way we still remain friends and allies.”